Promising Worcester Warriors fly-half Fin Smith has demanded answers from the club after their senior squad were not paid their wages, which was promised to them earlier in the week.
After informing their players on Wednesday that they will receive their wages, Worcester has not come good on their promise and claimed on Friday that the delay was caused by a complication with the bank’s automated system.
Breach of contract notices issued
Several players have now issued breach of contract notices which will enable them to exit the club if they do not receive their salaries for August within two weeks.
On Friday morning, England U20 representative Smith participated in a co-ordinated social media campaign in which the Warriors‘ players and management called for the Premiership outfit to be saved.
“We’re just really frustrated now. We haven’t been paid, we don’t feel like we’re getting what we deserve as a group so we need answers,” said Smith on a video released on Twitter.
20-year-old scrum-half Ollie Wynn brought to attention how the financial crisis is impacting players on a personal level by revealing that it has left him homeless.
“Worcester means a lot to me, as ever since I was a child looking up to my dad I’ve always wanted to play rugby,” he said.
“Fortunately I signed a contract three years ago with Worcester and I’ve been here since. I’ve loved every moment of being here.
“Unfortunately the last three weeks have taken a turn. We haven’t been paid and I’ve been made homeless recently.
“Fortunately for me one of the older boys has put me up in their house, which I’m so grateful for and just shows as a unit how we are as boys, and hopefully we can come through this together.”
The Warriors’ finances were frozen by HM Revenue & Customs, who are pursuing unpaid tax thought to be more than £6million. On Wednesday, it was confirmed that the club would be able to meet the August payroll which was due on that same day.
Click Here: west tigers rugby league jersey
Club owners in the firing line
However, staff and players are still waiting for their wages and there is plenty of resentment towards the club’s co-owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham.
Premiership Rugby revealed that Worcester will be involved in the opening weekend of the Premiership, which kicks off next weekend. They are scheduled to meet London Irish at the Brentford Community Stadium on Saturday, September 10.
However, that announcement was grounded in the news that players were being paid.